Hardik Pandya Trade: GT REJECTS deal after all-rounder makes THIS demand; Know here

Hardik Pandya is expected to make shift from Mumbai Indians in IPL 2027.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2027 is a long way to go, but franchises and players are working behind the doors for the next season of the league. After a disappointing IPL 2026 campaign for big franchises like Mumbai Indians (MI) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK), trade discussions and major changes in the management are already gaining pace.

Mumbai Indians are among the teams that are expected to make important decisions ahead of the new season. Reports claimed that the five-time champions are looking to rebuild their squad after finishing ninth in IPL 2026. The team management is actively involved in evaluating the performances of senior players as they are looking to the future.

Mumbai Indians captain Hardik Pandya also had quite a tough time after returning to the franchise. Under Hardik’s captaincy, Mumbai Indians haven’t been performing well in the past few seasons, which has become a major talking point. Reports also claimed that there is a rift between players and the captain.

Therefore, multiple reports surfaced regarding a possible trade of Hardik Pandya to other franchises, including Chennai Super Kings and Kolkata Knight Riders. However, as per Express Sports, Hardik had held talks with his former franchise, Gujarat Titans, over a possible return for IPL 2027.

Hardik Pandya reportedly wanted a Gujarat Titans return

According to a report by the Indian Express, Hardik Pandya was interested in rejoining Gujarat Titans after having a tough phase with Mumbai Indians. The report claims that GT management was open to bringing him back and even discussed the possibility with current captain Shubman Gill.

Interestingly, Gill had no objections regarding Hardik coming back to the franchise. However, the situation changed when Hardik put conditions on coming back to Gujarat Titans.

The report also claimed that Hardik wanted to return only if he was made captain once again. Gujarat Titans reportedly refused to accept that condition as the franchise has already committed to Shubman Gill’s leadership.

“The franchise was fine with him making a return. They had even discussed the same with its captain Shubman Gill, and he, too, had agreed that the franchise could trade him back. But when his condition of captaincy was put up, everyone said no to it,” said a source.

Hardik Pandya’s spokesperson responds

While the reports have created plenty of discussion, Hardik Pandya’s spokesperson has denied that the player directly spoke with any IPL franchise regarding a transfer.

“Hardik Pandya had no direct conversation with any franchise whatsoever regarding transfer trade or otherwise. If any approach has been made to him, that has been directed to the MI franchise” The spokesperson clarified.

Hardik’s future at Mumbai Indians has been in constant doubt after a disappointing IPL 2026 season. MI won only 4 out of their 14 league matches and finished ninth in the point table. Therefore, the franchise may go for some major squad changes ahead of IPL 2027.

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